Cultural
So much more than just mountains and lakes…
Beyond the mountains and stunning scenery, or perhaps because of them, the Lake District has been home to some of Britain’s great writers, with William Wordsworth, John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter all making their homes here.
The Lake District was awarded World Heritage status, in 2017 for it’s Cultural Landscape rather than for it’s natural beauty.
Having been extensively influenced by man’s hand it has also inspired artists from many genres.
Wordsworth lived at both Rydal Mount and Allan Bank, which he described as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”. Rydal Mount was also home to Canon Rawnsley who co-founded the National Trust but is now back in the hands of the Wordsworth family. It contains many of the poet’s possessions and first editions of his works, while the gardens, designed by Wordsworth himself, are well worth a visit.
Beatrix Potter, author of the Peter Rabbit stories, loved Hill Top and based many of her stories there. The National Trust owned property remains very much as she left it and “appears as if Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk”. The World of Beatrix Potter attraction allows children (young and old) to immerse themselves in some of literature’s best loved children’s stories and characters.
Beyond literature, the nearby Holehird Gardens, home of the Lakeland Horticultural Society, and Blackwell, a masterpiece of twentieth-century design, make for fascinating days out, with regular events and exhibitions. Similarly, the Armitt Museum tells the history of Ambleside, it’s people, and the surrounding area. While, just up the hill towards Loughrigg, the High Close Estate and Arboretum is well worth visiting and is on the way if you are walking over towards Grasmere. While Ambleside Roman Fort, probably built under Hadrian’s rule in the 2nd Century and The Ruskin Museum, described as “The most thought-provoking [museum] in the Lakes” are also well worth a visit.
Rydal Mount
Explore William Wordsworth’s favourite home and discover breathtaking views of Windermere and Rydal Water! The house and gardens are well worth a visit.
Ambleside Roman Fort
Pete, our resident history buff, recommends Ambleside Roman Fort, which dates to the 2nd century, and was probably built by the Emperor Hadrian.
World of Beatrix Potter
Fun for all the family, step into the world of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck and more at the World of Beatrix Potter.
We’re delighted to share that we’ve been awarded a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star Food Hygiene Rating! A huge thank you to our fantastic team for their hard work and commitment to maintaining the highest standards.
We’re also excited to introduce our refreshed dining experience, with new menus and a more relaxed, café-style approach. You can now enjoy:
🥐 Breakfast served between 7:30am – 9:30am
🍽️ Evening meals available from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
It’s all about great food in a more casual, welcoming setting.
Keep an eye out for more posts coming soon as we showcase our new menus… we can’t wait for you to try them!
A fantastic effort from Jen and Rich, completing this year’s first Elterwater Hostel 23 Before Tea round in 8 hours 35 minutes.
The day was also a recce for Jen’s planned attempt to break the female record later this year — so watch this space.
Best of all, they were welcomed back to the hostel with tea and sticky toffee brownie, which sounds like just about the perfect finish.
Well done both!
#ElterwaterHostel #23BeforeTea
Bring your group together around the breakfast table!
There’s something special about starting the day with good friends, good food, fresh coffee, and time to connect before the day’s adventures begin.
When you stay with us as a group, you can add our buffet breakfast served in a relaxed space to gather and plan the day ahead, perfect for walking groups, school trips, retreats, corporate teams, or friends exploring the Lakes together. Fuel up, slow down, and start the day right together.
Get in touch to add group breakfast to your booking!
Part 3: The Reveal
And here it is…..
Our new reception, bar servery and refreshed lounge/dining space are complete and we couldn’t be happier with the result.
Lighter, warmer colours, a more open layout and a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere from the moment you walk through the door.
It’s now a space to check in, grab a drink, sit back, and feel at home.
We’d love to know what you think and even better, come and see it for yourself.
Post 2: The Build, From idea to reality
With the old reception removed, work began on creating a new modern, multi-functional space – bringing together reception, bar servery and a more open connection to the lounge and dining area.
Behind the scenes there’s been a lot of careful planning, building (and a fair bit of dust!) as the new counter took shape. Every decision was about making the space more practical for our team and more welcoming for our guests.
Nearly there…
Refurb Part 1 - The Strip Out!
Big changes start with brave decisions… and this was one of them.
We’ve said goodbye to our original reception cubicle to make way for something much more open, flexible and welcoming.
It’s served us well over the years, but it was time to rethink how this space works for our guests today.
This was the first step in transforming our reception and lounge into a place that feels warmer, more relaxed and better suited to how people really use the space.
Watch this space 👀
We are very pleased to be ranked 1st in TripAdvisor top 5 Hostels in the Lake District.
With an average 4.9 out of 5, based on around 375 reviews,
Small, friendly and tucked away in one of the prettiest valleys in the Lakes, it draws rave reviews for its “relaxed”, “homely” feel and “big breakfasts”.
In November, one reviewer gave the hostel a five-star rating on TripAdvisor. “Excellent venue for outdoor activities,” they said.
“The hostel is clean, well-equipped, comfortable, warm, and all the staff are welcoming and most helpful.”
Read the whole article here:
https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/25809020.best-hostels-lake-district-ranked-tripadvisor/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1769961366
Think hostel food = sausage & mash? Think again…
Our GM may say he’s a great chef…
…but after this 40th birthday feast, we’re inclined to agree 👀🔥
🥩 Tomahawk steak
🍖 Lamb rumps
🥔 Dauphinoise potatoes
✨ Very happy guests
Got a group staying with us? Fancy something a bit special?
We love an excuse to get creative in the kitchen
Happy Birthday Alfred Wainwright
A man who shaped how we see and walk the Lake District, with a legacy deeply rooted in the Langdale Valley.
His love for the fells lives on in every path explored and every quiet moment enjoyed.
At Elterwater Hostel, we’re proud to be part of the landscape he inspired so many to cherish.
Cold, snowy days here in the valley but that hasn’t stopped us cracking on with a big project behind the scenes.
Lots of hard work happening despite the weather and it’ll all be worth it.
Keep an eye out for updates coming soon…
A new completion of the Elterwater Hostel Challenge 23 before tea was logged just before the end of the year.
Carlisle-based Adam Armata returned after being beaten by the weather last winter , this time though everything clicked.
Running solo and unsupported, he chose a longer, less conventional 60km route with 4,500m of ascent, echoing the original spirit of the challenge.
he said “his wasn’t about records., it was about adventure: sunrise on the first summit, icy descents, winter light, and even a head torch detour into Rydal Cave because why rush a perfect day in the hills? 11 hours 58 minutes. No shortcuts. Just mountains, patience, and joy”.
If you’ve ever thought about giving a winter round a go, take this as your sign. choose your day, respect the conditions, move at your own pace and savour every moment out there, and dont forget to knock on the hostels door and get your cup of tea when you finish!
Happy New Year from all of us at Elterwater Hostel
As another year comes to a close, we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who stayed with us, walked the fells, shared stories, and made the hostel such a special place over the past year.
We’re incredibly grateful for all our guests, old friends and new, and for the memories made here in the Langdale Valley.
We wish you all a very Happy New Year and look forward to welcoming you back and meeting many more of you in 2026 for more adventures, cosy evenings and unforgettable moments in the valley.
See you soon
The Elterwater Hostel team
